Under cover of night he crawled up to his home, dreading in his guilt to face the dear, stern eyes of his mother. Ah! no, he entered to no questioning and little heed: the two women sat stricken with sorrow; not for him: in the room beyond Giles lay dead.
So Christian's three gold pieces buried Giles with such decent honour as Lois could desire.
CHAPTER XIV
Christian's misdoing was not to pass unregarded.
A woman turned upon Rhoda passing with a mutter so like a curse that the girl's surprise struck her to a pause. It was Philip's mother who faced her, glowering hate.
'What have you done with my boy?'
'I?' said Rhoda, with widening eyes, though she blushed.
'You—smooth-faced chit—yes, you! Oh, keep those fine eyes and that colour to take in men, for me they will not! I can see through you! I know you, and the games you are playing!'
'What then?' flashed Rhoda. 'You accuse me? Of what? and by what right?'